Urinary tract infections in children – causes, complaints & therapy

Urinary tract infections in children

Urinary tract infections in children are among the most common diseases in children. The causes of the complaints are bacteria, fungi or viruses.

What are urinary tract infections in children?

A urinary tract infection is when the urinary tract such as the kidneysureters or urethra are attacked by bacteria. These can cause painful inflammation. In children, urinary tract infections are not uncommon. They occur in about seven percent of all girls and two percent of all boys under the age of six. In infants, the infections are more common in male babies, after which they are increasingly registered in girls.

Causes

Urinary tract infections are primarily caused by intestinal bacteria. About 75 percent of all urinary tract infections in children can be traced back to Escherichia coli bacteria. Sometimes, however, viruses or fungi are also possible causes of urinary tract infection. This happens in the context of general infections, after treatment with antibiotics, as well as urinary stones or

Bladder emptying disorders. In boys, a pronounced narrowing of the foreskin may also be responsible for the development of a urinary tract infection. Likewise, in boys, an anomaly of the urinary tract is the cause within the realm of possibility.

In babies and toddlers, the risk of contracting a urinary tract infection is particularly high as long as they are not yet “dry”. In girls, there is also the anatomical disadvantage of a significantly shorter urethra compared to boys. This makes it easier for the germs to settle with them. In addition, the urethra is located near the vagina. Numerous pathogens occur on this organ.

When to see a doctor?

If the child repeatedly complains of pain during urination, it may be a urinary tract infection. If other symptoms such as an increased urge to urinate, lower abdominal pain or fever are added, an appointment with the pediatrician should be made. In case of blood in the urine and high fever, it is advisable to go to the emergency department. It may be severe renal colic or inflammation of the renal pelvis. Both diseases do not heal on their own and should therefore be examined and treated by a doctor.

If the urinary tract infection remains untreated, further complications occur. At the latest when flu-like symptoms such as chills or high fever occur, a doctor’s visit is indicated. If possible, the physician should be informed about the symptoms and possible circumstances of a disease. This ensures targeted treatment of the urinary tract infection. In children, mild urinary tract infections should also be treated by a doctor. This is recommended solely for reasons of contagion, but also to avoid further complications.

Symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of urinary tract infections in children:

  • Bladder emptying disorders
  • Drinking weakness

Up to the age of two, the symptoms of a urinary tract infection are rather non-specific. The affected children suffer from abdominal pain, foul-smelling urine, drinking weakness, apathy, vomiting and fever. Later, the signs are clearer and similar to the complaints of adults. Typical symptoms include painful and frequent urination, pain in the flank and fever. Sometimes non-specific complaints such as loss of appetite, abdominal pain or fatigue can be added.

Children who are already dry may get wet again. This is considered a sign of urinary tract disease. With appropriate medical treatment, the urinary tract infection usually heals without problems. In order to counteract further infections, it is important to find out the causes of the disease. If the urinary tract infections occur repeatedly or are not treated, there is a risk of chronic damage.

Diagnosis

To diagnose a urinary tract infection, the doctor usually takes a Urine Sample from the child. This is then analyzed to identify the causative agent. Since a single urine sample can be contaminated, which leads to falsification of the test result, several samples must be taken. In addition to a urine test, a blood test is usually also carried Out.

In this way, changes in the inflammation parameters can be determined. This increases the number of leukocytes (white blood cells) in the body. The blood sedimentation rate (ESR) also increases. For further examinations, an X-ray examination or Sonography (ultrasound examination) can be carried out.

Complications

Urinary tract infections lead to decreased drive. The child suffers from listlessness, shows changed behavior and the general performance limit is reduced. This can lead to emotional problems and interpersonal tensions. Infection can spread in organism. Children’s immune systems are still developing and are not adequately protected against germs. The production of the body’s defenses is reduced and it is particularly susceptible to new pathogens. This supports the rapid multiplication of germs and can contribute to a further deterioration in the state of health if they spread. The fever rises and the listlessness increases.

There is pain when urinating. As a result, children often avoid absorbing new necessary fluids. The body experiences an undersupply, which can trigger dehydration. There is a life-threatening condition in which immediate action is necessary. Due to the pain when going to the toilet, not all urine is drained. The residual urine remains in the bladder and is a breeding ground for other pathogens. The urine has an altered and very unpleasant odor in a urinary tract infection. This can trigger feelings of shame in the child and cause the child to withdraw. It no longer participates in social life and Due to the .

Treatment and therapy

Treating a urinary tract infection in a child is usually done with antibiotics . The drugs of first choice are cephalosporins such as cefotaxime. This drug is given intravenously to babies up to three months of age. Recommended oral antibiotics for urinary tract disease are trimethoprim, amoxicillin, nitrofurantoin, and cefaclor.

In order for the doctor to be able to administer the right preparation, the triggering bacterium must first be determined by means of several tests. If the right antibiotic is used, the symptoms improve quickly. If the child suffers from a lack of liquid, the supply of Electrolytes is possible. These can also be administered in the form of an infusion. Furthermore, the sick child should receive plenty of fluids such as bubble tea.

Warm sitz baths in a chamomile solution or putting on a hot-water bottle are also considered helpful. It is also advisable to take Painkillers or antispasmodic medication. If the child has a fever, it must be kept in bed. Otherwise, it can participate in everyday life. Until the end of the treatment, which lasts 3 to 10 days depending on the severity of the disease, the urine should be checked regularly.

If the urinary tract infections occur more frequently, longer treatment with antibiotics must be carried out. The control period is at least one year. If anatomical causes are responsible for the child’s constant urinary tract infections, surgical intervention can remedy the situation.

Prevention

Strict genital hygiene is recommended to prevent urinary tract infections in babies and children. In this way, the intestinal germs must not reach the urethral opening. When changing diapers or going to the toilet, it is therefore important to clean from front to back. Care must also be taken to prevent hypothermia of the child’s abdomen and feet. Otherwise there is a risk of poor blood circulation, which promotes the development of urinary tract infections.

Adequate fluid intake is also important to flush the urinary tract well. This prevents the causative bacteria from settling. Special teas that have a diuretic effect are also considered preventive. These include goldenrod, Nettle , Birch Leaves, and Bearberry Leaves.

Dorothy Farrar

Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.

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